240: Journey to Self-Actualization: A Candid Conversation with Hana Leland on Addiction, Queer Identity, and Personal Transformation

NOTE: Since the date of recording this episode, our guest for this week has embarked on her gender transition. While you’ll hear her referred to by her previous name (often called a ‘deadname’) in the episode, we’ve updated the show notes to reflect this. Her name is Hana Leyland and she uses She/Her pronouns.

What happens when you face your darkest fears and emerge stronger on the other side? We're thrilled to welcome the extraordinarily resilient Hana Leland to the show, who's about to unfold an absorbing narrative of personal transformation, navigating a queer identity, and dealing with a mother's mental health battle. Hana's life-changing journey saw her grappling with addiction and trauma, yet she found an unexpected superpower in the midst of these darkest hours.

On today’s episode, Duane and Hana unravel the complex layers of her identity, and how she navigated through her queer identity in an ever-evolving world. The discussion takes a deep dive into the concept of Peter Pan Syndrome and its link with addiction, a rampant issue within the queer community. Hana's story is a testament to the power of self-exploration guided by therapy and internal family systems. She shines a light on the importance of mentors within the LGBTQ+ community and how they play a pivotal role in shaping identity.

Moving forward, we explore the transformative journey toward authenticity. Hana highlights the role of sobriety in illuminating her own identity, and how harnessing the power of storytelling has been instrumental in reclaiming her authenticity. Not shying away from vulnerability, she emphasizes the need for support and mentorship on one's journey to self-discovery. Hana's narrative is an inspiring reminder that embracing our unique values and identities can lead to profound transformation and that asking for help is not a sign of weakness, but strength. Tune in and let this heartfelt story inspire your own journey toward self-actualization.

In this episode, you will hear:

• Overcoming addiction and finding grace
• Navigating LGBTQ+ identity and trauma
• Exploring identity and overcoming dark parts
• Asking for help and authenticity

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